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2010 Audi A3 Review

September 10, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the most noticeable styling changes include a sculpted chin spoiler and redesigned headlights
Edmunds

the instrument lighting has switched from Audi’s characteristic red to a more generic white
Car and Driver

The Audi A3 got a light makeover inside and out last year; for 2010, the A3 receives another upgrade, with the previous S-line option package now standard and bringing a roof spoiler, reskinned bumpers, and brushed-aluminum trim. While the A3 is sort of a hatchback and sort of a wagon, its proportions are almost universally appealing. Even better, the interior of the A3 is one of the best that Audi currently makes: ergonomically simple, flawless, and well crafted.

Last year, the A3 got a number of cosmetic changes. Car and Driver says the most noticeable interior change “is that the instrument lighting has switched from Audi’s characteristic red to a more generic white.” They add, “There are further minor trim and décor changes, and the buttons in the center console get a more rounded-off look.” Edmunds contends “the most noticeable styling changes include a sculpted chin spoiler and redesigned headlights with Audi's signature LED daytime running lights.”

Overall, reviewers love the way the 2010 Audi A3 looks. MyRide.com notes its “well-balanced, pleasing dimensions.” Cars.com likes the "coupelike silhouette" created by the 2009 Audi A3. Kelley Blue Book agrees, asserting that the A3 "has a purposeful, sporty look, emphasized by wheels and tires that fill the wheelwells."

From the back, the "sloping rear window adds to the aggressive appearance, but the trade-off is less interior cargo space," comments Kelley Blue Book. Face to face, the familiar "single-frame tapered grille" is apparent on the A3 Audi and "dominates the front end," says Cars.com.

Not everyone is as positive about the interior of the A3. Edmunds feels that “few luxury touches are evident in the down-to-business interior,” but admits separately that the A3 Audi’s interior “styling is classically German, with straightforward buttons and controls.” Cars.com comments that “the A3’s interior, especially with the aluminum trim, still looks cheap.”

Conclusion

The 2010 Audi A3 is a very good-looking car, though Audi could do better inside by some accounts.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the most noticeable styling changes include a sculpted chin spoiler and redesigned headlightsEdmundsthe instrument lighting has switched from Audi’s characteristic red to a more generic whiteCar and Driver The Audi A3 got a light makeover inside and out last year; for 2010, the A3 receives another upgrade, with the previous S-line option package now standard and bringing a roof spoiler, reskinned bumpers, and brushed-aluminum trim. While the A3 is sort of a hatchback and sort of a wagon, its proportions are almost universally appealing. Even better, the interior of the A3 is one of the best that Audi currently makes: ergonomically simple, flawless, and well crafted. Last year, the A3 got a number of cosmetic changes. Car and Driver says the most noticeable interior change “is that the instrument lighting has switched from Audi’s characteristic red to a more generic white.” They add, “There are further minor trim and décor changes, and the buttons in the center console get a more rounded-off look.” Edmunds contends “the most noticeable styling changes include a sculpted chin spoiler and redesigned headlights with Audi's signature LED daytime running lights.” Overall, reviewers love the way the 2010 Audi A3 looks. MyRide.com notes its “well-balanced, pleasing dimensions.” Cars.com likes the "coupelike silhouette" created by the 2009 Audi A3. Kelley Blue Book agrees, asserting that the A3 "has a purposeful, sporty look, emphasized by wheels and tires that fill the wheelwells." From the back, the "sloping rear window adds to the aggressive appearance, but the trade-off is less interior cargo space," comments Kelley Blue Book. Face to face, the familiar "single-frame tapered grille" is apparent on the A3 Audi and "dominates the front end," says Cars.com. Not everyone is as positive about the interior of the A3. Edmunds feels that “few luxury touches are evident in the down-to-business interior,” but admits separately that the A3 Audi’s interior “styling is classically German, with straightforward buttons and controls.” Cars.com comments that “the A3’s interior, especially with the aluminum trim, still looks cheap.” ConclusionThe 2010 Audi A3 is a very good-looking car, though Audi could do better inside by some accounts. 2010 AUDI A3 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "the most noticeable styling changes include a sculpted chin spoiler and redesigned headlights" Car and Driver: "the instrument lighting has switched from Audi’s characteristic red to a more generic white" The Audi A3 got a light ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If you're in the market for a wagonlike vehicle with sporting pretensions and can spend $30,000, there are some interesting choices outside of the 2009 Audi A3. The 2010 Audi A3 doesn’t have a lot of competition in the U.S. market. The BMW 3-Series wagon—especially the fuel-efficient 335d—is one possibility, but it’s much more expensive. The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is another alternative; it’s actually roomier inside and has a better ride, though it’s not nearly as sporty as the A3. The Infiniti EX is either a crossover vehicle or tall wagon, depending on how you see it. It has all-wheel drive as an option, but the base car is a rear-driver spun from the hot-handling G35 sedan, one of our favorite luxury sport sedans. Yet another option would be the Acura RDX, a crossover that’s powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The RDX has a roomier and better-appointed interior, but it doesn’t offer any fuel-efficient engine choices to rival the A3 TDI.

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See the Audi A3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Jean Opsomer #1, Posted: 10/26/2009

    I've had an Audi A3 2006 and it's been nothing but trouble, with numerous repair visits to the dealer (covered by warranty until recently). The problem areas have been the fuel injection system and various electronic components. Just in the last 6 months, I've been to the dealer 7 times. If you like to spend time in the waiting room of your dealership, this is the car for you. Otherwise, there are much better (and cheaper) choices out there.

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